You’ve booked your trip to Mombasa and now that the time is drawing near, you need to seriously consider what you’ll pack and bring with you on this trip. Remember that many airlines now limit the number of check-in and carry on bags you can take with you. They also have weight limits for those bags, so you won’t be able to bring everything with you for this trip.

Scuba gear can be bulky.

If you plan on scuba diving on your trip to Mombasa, you will likely have the mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, and BC vest. If you have an air tank, do not attempt to bring this. No airline will accept an air tank on their flights. Renting one is inexpensive and unless you plan on driving or boating to Mombasa, that’s the only option.

You may wish to rent the regulator and computer as well, as these can add some significant weight to your suitcase. You won’t need a wetsuit for your trip as the waters here are quite warm.

Remember you can wash clothing there

Some people pack a different outfit (or two or three) for every day that they will be at their destination. If you’re planning to spend 8 days and 7 nights in Mombasa, that doesn’t mean you need 8 sets of clothing. Keep it simple. Pack a couple comfortable shirts and shorts for day or evening trips to town, a bathing suit or two, and one very nice outfit for dinner.

There are laundry services here so that you can wash anything you want to wear again. This will keep your suitcase from being a burden through the airport.

Pack plenty of sunscreen, and a hat

Sunblock, at least SPF 30 or higher, should be packed. You can certainly buy this at Mombasa, but most vacation destinations charge a lot more than you would have to pay at home.

A hat is important, too. Remember, Mombasa is near the equator, so the sun is extremely hot and you will burn quicker than you will at home. If you plan to swim or snorkel a lot, pack at least one swim shirt. This is a light, three-quarter sleeve shirt that is designed to be worn in the water. It’s ideal for both men and women and it will keep you from becoming burned while you’re enjoying your trip.

Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and a gorgeous tropical travel destination. The city offers attractions that could fill endless hours of vacation time, but there are some must-sees that all travelers should be sure to check off their lists.

1) Old Town is the cultural essence of Mombasa. Visitors can explore the dozens of antique shops, cafes, and markets while enjoying the colorful architecture and food like fresh-caught seafood, spiced rice, and chai.

Old Town is a glimpse into Mombasa’s multicultural heritage and a chance for tourists to get more of a feel for what life is like outside a resort.

2) Located in Old Town is Fort Jesus. The Portuguese built the fort in the 16^{th century to control Mombasa trade, but those who came after also influenced the fort’s architecture and history. This is evident through the British cannons, Koran inscriptions on the ruin walls, and the presence of sets of five stone pillars around the fort.}

Tourists can take a tour or even attend one of the sound and light shows that is presented three days a week. In 2001, Fort Jesus was declared a World Heritage site. Those interested in history should definitely visit this important site.

3) When looking for a place to enjoy the warm Kenyan weather, the beaches of Nyali are difficult to beat. The white sand strands are also home to activities such as scuba-diving in the coral reef, wind-surfing, and sailing. Nearby is the largest crocodile farm in Africa for those wanting to see the native animals of Mombasa.

4) The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is also an excellent place to venture to in order to catch some sun and see some animals. The park covers four small islands and is reachable by tour boats.

The coral reefs nurture scores of marine life such as green sea turtles, dolphins, and the coconut crab, the largest land crab in the world. Bird-watching is also very popular at the park.

5) The fifth must-see in Mombasa is the Shimba Hills National Reserve, which is close to the city. Kenya’s only sable antelopes are located in this reserve as well as hundreds of elephants. Hiking is popular here, and guides will take tourists to the Sheldrick Falls where they can swim. The reserve also hosts night drives for passengers to see leopards and cheetahs.

The possibilities in Mombasa seem limitless, but these five attractions are a good place to start your adventure.

While Kenya is a land of diverse geography ranging from low lying plains to glacial mountains, the port city of Mombasa is tropical and warm year-round. Mombasa itself is an island separated from the mainland by two creeks but accessible from Moi International Airport.

Being surrounded by water it is an ideal shipping, trading, and an aquatic vacation spot. Many beach resorts offer everything from beach bumming, pool lounging, deep sea boating, fishing, diving and kite surfing; but there is also the wildlife, safaris, and backpacking. When you’re out enjoying your time, you should take the proper solar precautions so you can enjoy the laid back beach get-a-way.

While the Mombasa travel information websites do not recommend anything specific, the forum posts of previous traveler’s do. Their suggestions are nothing out of the ordinary: wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, even supplements derived from ferns, Polypodium leucotomos that should be taken in the morning.

The most crucial was the regular application of sunscreen that blocks both UVA an UVB ultraviolet rays. The SPF number only relays how well it blocks UVB rays; to block both UVB and UVA ultraviolet rays you’ll need an SPF of 15 or above and a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or oxybenzone.

It is also suggested that you put on sunscreen twenty to thirty minutes before going out into the sun, and that your first application be put on without clothes. You want to make sure you cover every inch of your skin, whether or not it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

For hard to reach areas such as your back, have someone help you. And be sure the sunscreen is new or mostly new, only a few months old. Important blocking compounds can become inactive after long periods of non-use; thus, even frequent re-applying will be futile.

While Mombasa is a tropical, equatorial climate, standard preliminary solar precautions will help to ensure a pleasant vacation regardless of your chosen activities. The important thing is to use these recommendations as a starting point of reference. Also check the weather forecast, usually January and February are their rainy months while April and May are dry and hot; but are they experiencing a drought, a heat wave, or unusual amounts of rain?

Weather is unpredictable and can act as a modifier but it is a safe bet that it will be hot. So to reiterate, wear wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, consider taking supplements with Polypodium leucotomos in the mornings before outdoor activities, put sunscreen on your entire body twenty to thirty minutes before going out, and regularly apply sunscreen that block both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. 

Being on vacation should be a wonderful time, a time to relax, to unwind, and hopefully see some of the wonders that the local culture has to offer. Location can have a direct impact on your enjoyment. The farther you are away from the sights and sounds, the more you’ll have to work to get to see them.

When you’re planning a trip to Mombasa, Kenya, will it matter what hotel you stay at? Could you still have a wonderful time and see all of the things that you hope to if you choose a hotel that is farther from the city, or away from the beach?

Advantages to being Farther Away from the Main Attractions

One of the biggest advantages to staying away from the main part of the city, or the ocean, is that you can save quite a bit of money on your hotel bill. The closer that a hotel is to the center of town (or the action), or to the white sand beaches of Mombasa, the greater the demand for these locations.

You can save money, but you can also avoid some of the other aspects that come along with staying close to the biggest attractions. You will likely find it a lot less crowded. That can be appealing for those individuals who prefer solitude, or peace and tranquility.

Disadvantages to being Farther Away from the Main Attractions

When you stay farther from the city center of the beach, you’ll generally have to plan for a full day at once. It won’t be as convenient to head to the beach to swim in the ocean and then go back to the hotel for a quick shower.

If you’re planning on visiting Fort Jesus, then the Main Marketplace in Mombasa, you will need to plan for these things throughout the day.

You can rent a car, but getting around in this part of the world can be somewhat confusing. There are taxi services that will take you where you want to go, of course, but when you have to plan for an entire day, it can change the way that you relax on your vacation.

No matter where the hotel you choose is in Mombasa, be sure to take into consideration how you will get from one exciting adventure to the next.

For anyone planning on traveling to Mombasa, there are plenty of hotels from which to choose. This destination for vacationers can be the trip of a lifetime and it can be idyllic for business travelers as well. The Savora Whitesands offers an abundance of amenities and comforts that cater to just about any traveler.

Location, Location, Location

When you’re planning a trip to Kenya, location matters. The Whitesands is located right on the Indian Ocean, with the white sandy beaches stretching as far as one can see, gliding gently into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The hotel is nestled against the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach so there is usually plenty of activity along this stretch of the ocean, no matter what time of year it is.

Spacious Rooms

When you stay at the Whitesands hotel in Mombasa, you will be comfortable in any one of the spacious rooms that they offer. When you’re traveling –for business or pleasure- you may not be too concerned with the size of the rooms, but once you’re there it can make a difference.

You may not be planning to spend much time in your hotel room, but after a long day of snorkeling or scuba diving, perhaps taking a trip on a safari, or exploring the main marketplace or Fort Jesus, you’re going to want to relax and unwind for a few moments before heading down for a delectable dinner.

That’s when you’ll appreciate the significant size of the rooms in this hotel.

Friendly Staff

At the Whitesands, just about everyone you meet has a smile and a warm greeting to offer. The staff here go out of their way to help you feel comfortable, from the moment that you arrive to the time when you’re ready to check out.

Activities and More

There is so much to do close by when you’re at the Whitesands, or you can simply relax poolside and take in the beautiful sights and sounds surrounding you.

If you want to learn more about the Whitesands or other hotels throughout Mombasa, contact Find Mombasa Hotels. They can offer you a wealth of information to help you make the right decision for your family, or for your next business trip.

Diani Reef Resort Hotel Room

Traveling to Mombasa, Kenya for business is quite a treat. It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have in this great city, or if you’re going there for a conference or retreat. When you stay at the right hotel, it’s going to be relaxing and provide you with the best opportunities to get the most out of your business trip.

Traveling for business is different than traveling with family or just taking a relaxing vacation. You want privacy and you also want comfort. There should be amenities, such as Internet access, a private business conference room, and even high scale dining to discuss business matters over a meal.

You also want to make sure that your hotel room in Mombasa has all of the amenities that you’re going to require, such as a desk, possibly a refrigerator, and other comforts.

Below are some of the best hotels in Mombasa that can cater to any type of business affairs you have within the city.

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa

This is a 5-star resort that is nestled along the soft white sands of the Kenyan coastline. The Indian Ocean gently caresses these sands and invites you to take an afternoon snorkeling adventure or to strap on the proper gear and go scuba diving.

The rooms offer a terrace balcony with views of the ocean if you prefer. There is a mini bar in the room and secure internet access.

Leopard Beach Resort and Spa

Overlooking Diani Beach in Mombasa is this renowned resort hotel. The Leopard Beach Resort and Spa offers the best luxury and idyllic setting that will allow you and anyone else you’re meeting for business the opportunity to relax, or connect on a professional level.

This resort enjoys a recent restoration and renovation that makes it one of the premiere choices for people looking to get the best of everything while visiting Mombasa.

Serena Beach Hotel

With so many facilities and amenities, the Serena Beach Hotel, which is situated just north of Mombasa Town overlooking the Indian Ocean, is one of the most highly rated hotels throughout the city.

There is a wealth of entertainment options and relaxing opportunities within this complex. You can take advantage of the business rooms or relax in the evening out by one of their gorgeous pools. You can sip tropical drinks while casually strolling down the white sands along the ocean, or unwind in the luxurious rooms that have made this hotel so popular.